Head of Fundraising and Relationships

Aerobility; Blackwater; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation charity in the UK is searching for a Head of Fundraising and Relationships to develop and deliver their fundraising strategy focused on corporate partnerships and sponsorship. The successful candidate will have significant experience in a senior role, proven skills in securing partnerships, and strong relationship management abilities. The position offers a hybrid work model and aims to enhance the charity's impact by increasing income to reach more disabled individuals.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior role involving corporate partnerships or business development.
• Proven track record in securing new corporate partnerships.
• Strong relationship management and account development skills.
• Experience managing and developing staff and volunteers.
• Financial awareness including forecasting and target management.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of fundraising strategy.
• Manage relationships with corporate partners.
• Ensure compliance with charity laws and regulations.
• Create compelling partnership packages.
• Build pipeline of multi-year support and manage key partners.
• Create compelling partnership packages and lead proposals/pitches.
• Provide exceptional relationship management with Chief Executive and partners.
• Oversee campaigns, co-branded activity, volunteering programs and impact reporting.
• Attend events and use them for cultivation and new business development.
• Represent Aerobility at external forums and networking events.
• Lead fundraising and communications teams, set targets and report performance.
• Maintain Salesforce partnership data and manage trusts/grants where aligned.

Skills

Corporate partnerships

Business development

Relationship management

Financial awareness

Excellent communication

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Tools

Salesforce CRM

Job description

Head of Fundraising and Relationships – Aerobility

Contract

• Permanent, Full-time
• Competitive, dependent on experience

Location

• Blackbushe Airport, Surrey, GU17 9LQ (Hybrid options considered)

Charity Overview

Aerobility is a national aviation charity that transforms lives by making the magic and freedom of flight accessible to disabled people. Through adapted aircraft, specialist instruction, and inclusive programmes in the air and on the ground, we enable disabled people of all ages to build confidence, independence, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Our work is made possible through strong relationships with corporate partners, event sponsors, trusts, supporters, and volunteers.

Position Overview

The Head of Fundraising and Relationships will lead, develop and deliver Aerobility’s fundraising and partnerships strategy, focusing on corporate partnerships, sponsorship, and event‑led fundraising. The post holder will secure and grow the income needed for Aerobility to reach more disabled people.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a fundraising and partnerships strategy that prioritises corporate and event‑led income.
• Lead income planning, forecasting and budgeting, working closely with the Finance team and Senior Leadership Team.
• Ensure fundraising activity complies with UK charity law, fundraising regulations, GDPR, and the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice.
• Proactively identify, research and secure new corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospects, securing ongoing, multi‑year support.
• Develop compelling partnership packages and sponsorship propositions.
• Lead proposals and pitches to senior decision makers, adapting style and narrative for different audiences.
• Work with the Chief Executive to provide exceptional relationship management for existing corporate partners, maximising income and long‑term engagement.
• Create account plans for key partners and oversee delivery of campaigns, co‑branded activity, volunteering programmes and impact reporting.
• Co‑create, attend and support Aerobility events, including aviation, corporate and fundraising events, occasionally including evenings and weekends.
• Use events as platforms for cultivation, stewardship and new business development.
• Represent Aerobility confidently at external forums, speaking engagements and networking events.
• Manage the fundraising and communications function, providing clear leadership and direction to staff and volunteers.
• Set, monitor and report on income targets and financial performance for corporate partnerships and events.
• Maintain accurate and timely partnership data in the Salesforce CRM system.
• Manage a small portfolio of trusts, foundations and grants, and support other income streams such as individual giving and community fundraising where these align with corporate and event activity.

Person Specification

• Significant experience in a senior role involving corporate partnerships, sponsorship or business development.
• Proven track record of securing new corporate partnerships and growing income from corporate and event‑based activity.
• Strong relationship management and account development skills, including work with senior stakeholders.
• Experience of designing partnership packages and leading proposals or pitches.
• Strong financial awareness, including income forecasting and target management.
• Experience of managing and developing staff and volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A confident, professional manner with a positive, solutions‑focused approach.
• Experience in aviation, disability or youth‑li>
• Knowledge of Salesforce or similar CRM.
• Experience of major events, sponsorship or partnership‑based fundraising initiatives.

How to apply

To make a formal application, please complete our job application form or alternatively send a covering letter and a copy of your CV to [e-mail]. Please include the vacancy title in the subject line of your email.

We may begin interviewing as applications are received and reserve the right to close the advert if a suitable candidate is appointed. Aerobility is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you are invited to interview.

Follow this link to apply: https://wwwerobility.com/job-application-form